Judy Dench looking over coffins in a scene from Skyfall, image by Sony Has automation killed the social media star? I think so. The social media conversation paradigms of 2006 form a foundation for today’s online world. But Cluetrain Manifesto dreams have been bludgeoned and destroyed by the unrelenting advance of technology and corporate demands for better financial results. The resulting technological imperative forces success-driven individuals and companies to use automation tools to drive online engagement.

Image by Ksenia Krneychuk After my speech two weeks ago on blogging, a TribeUp NYC attendee asked me how to differentiate content. I’m sure other strategists have their methods, but here’s how I do it. There’s one critical precursor to success: You must possess substantial knowledge about your topic area, and keep abreast of current trends, not only in the mainstream but on the edge of your sector. Become a subject matter expert. If you don’t, it will be difficult for you to compete. You need this knowledge to determine the trends you should cover. Start with Irreverence